Friday, February 6, 2015

Feature Friday Q&A with Sam Woehrmann

I stumbled upon today's Feature Friday designer when I was meandering through Pinterest one day. The modernity of his designs without loosing that classical element made me think of Frank Lloyd Wright's place in Scottsdale, Arizona - Taleisin West. I loved the straight lines and how the buildings just seemed to be a reflection of the environment around them.Sam Woehrmann's unique designs and use of mixed metals seem to echo the design principles of Frank Lloyd Wright himself in my eyes. The perfect combination of artistry, design and craftsmanship! And, it is because true artistry inspires that I just know you are going to be in awe of Sam's pieces as well! So enjoy today's Feature Friday Q&A with Sam Woehrmann.

1. What prompted your passion for jewelry and jewelry design?

A fascination with gems and crystal structure from a young age lead me into lapidary, jewelry, and metal work.

Tourmaline & orange sapphires set in 22 & 18k yellow gold. I love the detail work on this ring. Simple but elegant. Pure perfection!

Idocrase, Citrine & Aquamarine pendant in sterling silver. This pendant just has an absolute fierce look to it. It reminds me of an iceberg - Only a small portion of an iceberg is above the water. The true beauty & mass is below.

3. What would your perfect “jewelry day” involve / be like?

My perfect jewelry day would be working in the studio, creating something brand new, with a nice cup of tea and my little dog chilling out with me.

4. Thus far, what would you say is your proudest jewelry moment or memory?

My proudest jewelry moment and memory was starting my line and having my mother see the direction I was moving in before she passed away. She was my biggest fan.

Indonesian chalcedony & sapphire pendant in 22 & 18k yellow gold. One of my personal favs by Sam because it has both my favorite color (orange) & The Mr.'s (blue). I just adore this necklace! It almost has an Egyptian quality to it as well. Love!

5. Where do you find your greatest inspiration?

My greatest inspiration come from the Earth in the amazing variety of beautiful gems it produces.

Mother Earth's amazing variety plus Sam's talent!

6. In your personal wardrobe, do you find that you gravitate to one particular jewelry accessory (rings vs. necklace vs. bracelets vs. watches, etc.) more often than others?

I tend to gravitate towards rings and pendants to wear for myself. I feel like rings are for the wearer to admire, while pendants are more for presenting the work to others.

Talk about some amazing rings for men! I could never choose just one!

7. When putting together an outfit, how do you feel about mixing metals, designs and even new with vintage pieces?

I like mixing designers, new and vintage pieces, and metals. In my work I like mixing metals to make certain elements stand out, like using gold around the stones if it's a silver piece.

8. Layering seems to be a trend that is here to stay, for now. What are your feelings on the layered look? How do you like layered necklaces with layered bracelets plus layered rings?

I personally love the layered look that is in trend right now, I say the more the merrier, in good taste. If you get to the Mr. T look, then it's maybe too much.

Orange, yellow & grey Sapphire earrings in 18k gold & sterling silver. Uh, YES! Add these babies to my list of Must-Haves! And, of course, Spring will be here soon so these are ideal with those amazing colors.

9. What advice would you give to budding jewelry designers? To budding fine jewelry collectors?

My advice to budding jewelry designers would be: make what makes you happy and don't be afraid of experimenting. Sometimes the designs just happen or are a total accident. My advice to jewelry collectors would be: discover new talent, there are a ton of young people making great work, don't just go to designers and artists you already have seen, look around. You never know what you might find, and being able to support a youngster in their early career can make all the difference to that artist.

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And Here I Am.....

I grew up in a very artistic home with a deep appreciation for history. The history of our lineage, of the antiques we were surrounded by and the memories we were making. Every thing we touch tells a story of the people who came before us. The jewelry they wore is a huge part of these histories. And I am pleased to have the opportunity to touch and to be a part of these shared, jeweled stories.